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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Exatech Solutions Inc

System Engineer

Mclean, VA

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Corps Solutions

System Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$70K - $170K/yr

Engineer, integrate, and troubleshoot system components including servers, operating systems (Windows/Linux), storage solutions, virtualization platforms, and related services. * Develop, update, and ...

Corps Solutions

System Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$70K - $170K/yr

Engineer, integrate, and troubleshoot system components including servers, operating systems (Windows/Linux), storage solutions, virtualization platforms, and related services. * Develop, update, and ...

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA

Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server, virtualization technologies such as VMware or ...

nLeague

Sr. System Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Experience working with Operating System Configuration/Administration (Windows/Linux) * Must ... Programming / Scripting languages (a plus) * TCP/IP networking - Window Server 2016 (a plus)

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science or IT. • Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Operating System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating System Engineers when maintaining system stability in large-scale environments?

Operating System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing software patching across diverse hardware, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, and minimizing downtime during critical updates. In large-scale environments, balancing security with performance and reliability can be complex, especially when multiple teams depend on the systems. Effective communication with development, security, and IT operations teams is essential to address these issues proactively and maintain overall system stability.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Operating System Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Factors such as working in large tech companies, possessing expertise in systems architecture, and working in competitive markets contribute to higher salaries.

What does an Operating System Engineer do?

An Operating System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing operating systems that run on computers and servers. They work on the core components that manage hardware resources, enable software applications, and ensure system security and stability. Their duties often include writing system-level code, troubleshooting performance issues, implementing updates, and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Operating System Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that computing environments are efficient, reliable, and secure.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior operating system engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large tech companies, leadership positions, or engineers working on complex systems with advanced tools and technologies.

What is the difference between Operating System Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectOperating System EngineerSystem Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing operating systemsMaintaining, configuring, and supporting existing systems
Skills & CertificationsLinux/Unix, scripting, OS architecture, certifications like RHCE or Linux FoundationSystem management, network setup, troubleshooting, certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, R&D, engineering projectsIT support, data centers, enterprise environments
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, software developmentCorporate IT, government agencies, healthcare, finance

While both roles involve working with operating systems, Operating System Engineers focus on designing and developing OS solutions, whereas System Administrators manage and support existing systems. The roles complement each other but serve different stages of the system lifecycle.

What does an OS engineer do?

An Operating System (OS) Engineer designs, develops, and maintains operating systems or their components, ensuring efficient performance, security, and stability. They often work with low-level programming languages, troubleshoot system issues, and optimize hardware-software interactions, frequently using tools like debugging software and version control systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An Operating System Engineer or similar senior-level software engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Such roles often require advanced knowledge of system architecture, programming, and certifications, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science principles, operating system internals, and strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with kernel development, debugging tools, virtualization platforms, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and security of operating systems, which are foundational to all computing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.
System Engineer

System Engineer

Athenix Solutions Group

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

Athenix Solutions Group is looking for a Systems Engineer in Northern Virginia for a variety of roles to apply system engineering fundamentals to the development, testing, deployment, maintenance, operation, sustainment, and disposition of systems assisting in the defense of our nation. We have roles that focus in on a specific portion of the system development lifecycle, and others that span the entire process.


Do you have skills and experience in some of the following areas?

  • Understanding of or background in end-to-end Signals Intelligence or Cyberspace workflows
  • Requirements development and management
  • Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line interface (bash, ssh, etc)
  • Using Information management tools such as SharePoint or Confluence.
  • Working knowledge of a variety of software development principles and languages (Python, C++, Java, etc)
  • Development of system architectural drawings using DODAF framework or similar
  • Presenting information in writing and verbally explaining complex topics and ideas to a variety of audiences from development teams to senior leadership
  • Understanding of dataflows and familiarity with tools such as Apache Niagra Files

If so, we have an exciting job waiting for you!

Requirements:
  • Active Clearance: TS/SCI with Polygraph?is required
  • Education: Positions available no matter where you are in your career!
  • Basic Level – Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience
  • Mid-Level – Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, and 12 years of relevant experience
  • Senior Level - Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, and 20 years of relevant experience

Note: A Master’s degree in engineering or relevant field can be used to substitute for 4 years of experience

Note: 5 years experience can also replace the degree requirement in most cases

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.